President Muhammadu Buhari and President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Augustine Akubeze

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) says Nigeria’s future depends on the success or otherwise of the February 16 presidential elections, urging all stakeholders to put the nation before any other consideration.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday signed by Augustine Akubeze and Camillus Umoh, President and Secretary of CBCN respectively, the Conference noted that “ the world is looking up to us and expecting much from us.”

The statement was titled: “Let us turn to God in prayer for our nation.”

The Conference said it was encouraged by the recent declaration of the President Muhammadu Buhari on the conduct of a peaceful and credible election.

“Our future depends on this and we urge the relevant bodies to put our nation before any other consideration,” CBCN said.

It called on the security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise up to their duties and responsibilities to ensure that “we have peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.”

“We nevertheless reiterate that the primary responsibility for this lies with the government. “

The CBCN stressed that the coming elections would give Nigerians the opportunity to assess those who want to govern them.

“We must, therefore, think very carefully because electing our leaders comes with moral obligations and responsibilities. We wish to appeal to our fellow citizens to please put cynicism aside and go out to cast their votes on election day, guided by their conscience,” it said.

It also urged Nigerians to turn to God in “these trying times”.

“We know that God has shown and continues to show His love and care for us. Let us continue in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are in politics, especially those of them who are seeking elective positions.”